King Charles and Camilla quit Buckingham Palace in historic move
Buckingham Palace has long been revered as the home of the royal family but that won't be the case any longer.
The London headquarters has become more of a tourist attraction than a home in recent years and ever since the Queen's death, it's become clear that King Charles isn't that keen on staying there.
Yesterday, he became the first monarch to share his tax bill for the year, paying an astonishing £12.9 million for the 2024-2025 tax year, while he also revealed that he and Camilla won't be taking up official residence in the Westminster home.
It marks an end to a near 200-year history, with Queen Victoria first taking up residence there all the way back in 1837.
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Although it will still be used for administrative purposes, such as the handing out of MBE awards and knighthoods, and the greeting of world leaders, Charles and Camilla will be tucked up at the nearby Clarence House in London.
Of course, he still has access to homes in Scotland, Gloucestershire, Norfolk and the famous Windsor Castle, so he certainly won't be short of places to stay despite deleting one from his roster.
“His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life,” a palace spokesperson argued. It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way”.
The finances of the royal family has long been a controversial subject, particularly in times of financial strife in the UK, so the news that they will still keep the finances from Buckingham Palace visits, as well as the eye-watering Sovereign Grant, has not been met with a lot of affection.
Royal finance experts and former Privy Council member Norman Baker told The Mirror: “The Royal Family is proving hugely expensive. If Charles wants to have his slimmed-down monarchy, there should be a slimmed-down bill to the taxpayer to go with it.”
Mr Baker, author of Royal Mint, National Debt added: “It seems that a lot of money has just been wasted. If Charles doesn’t want to live at Buckingham Palace that’s fine, but it should be totally opened up full-time with all the ticket sales going back to the treasury to pay for the refurbishment work. It’s outrageous.
“And it appears William has been forced into an embarrassing U-turn by revealing his tax bill. It is a very welcome step forward but there should be more information with a full breakdown of their tax bill and what they are claiming as expenses.”
Although Buckingham Palace continues to bring in a huge amount from tourist visits, it has required a £369 million overhaul which has taken place over the past decade, with work expected to finish in 2027, when the Sovereign Grant will fall by around £30 million.
Royal official James Chalmers added: “It is important to emphasise that the Sovereign Grant does not provide personal income to members of the Royal Family. It funds the work of the institution – not private lives or private wealth."
Topics: King Charles III, Royal Family
James Moorhouse